Joseph Edwin Smith got "the calling" for the ministry as a young boy. He recalled that fateful day in the following sermon excerpt: "The Lord is pleased to meet us anywhere. He received me at the church. In old Mt. Moriah Church, near Auburn, NC. All of the people had gone out of the church during a protracted meeting and were preparing to go home except old Uncle Calvin Pool. I remained seated on the bench where I had been a mourner for about two days. As he passed out he put his hand upon my head and (said) to me, "Can't you trust Jesus as your Savior?" I said, "Yes." I meant it and there Jesus saved me. I got up and went out of the house so happy. As I passed down toward the well, I passed old Mr. Gower and Mr. Troy Baucom walking together. Mr. Gower looked at me and said, "That boy's got religion," and I knew he was telling the truth." Rev. Smith went on to say, "Just before we left, Mr. Pool came down to the carriage and asked father to let me go home with his boys to spend the night. I went and at family prayers he gave me a place right by his side and prayed most affectionately for me. I was baptised by old brother Johnson Olive in Pool's millpond about the first Sunday in September, 1884. This was in Wake County, North Carolina." Uncle Calvin Pool married as his first wife Sally Maria Smith, daughter of Samuel A. Smith, brother of Joseph's great-grandfather, William A. Smith. Samuel's wife was Sarah Baucom, aunt of Troy Baucom (son of her brother Urias Baucom).

The notes following the entry for his wife, Mary Blanche Blackwell, contain a detailed summary of Joseph's education and career moves (there were many). Joseph Smith's sermon books and scrapbook are in the possession of his great-granddaughter, Rebecca Smith Blackwell (this researcher). They contain numerous photographs, clippings, and memories collected by Joseph and his wife, Mary Blanche. In his youth, Joseph was the "spitting image" of his grandson, E.Vernon Smith, although smaller in stature. His photos graced many newpapers and advertising flyers whenever he visited a town in Indiana and gave a public sermon. As State Evangelist for the state of Indiana, he received reviews that praised his "pleasing personality which quickly wins, and (he) is a strong and effective preacher...has an original way of putting things which, while at times exciting a ripple of amusement, drives home and clinches what he wishes to say. He comes to the city highly recommended, both as a preacher and successful soul winner" (Apr 15, 1909, Bedford, Indiana).

In addition to being responsible for the construction of the First Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana (1908), Joseph did general construction work in his spare time. He and his sons built many homes in Gary.592